Michael Kearns, Trailblazing Actor, Director and HIV/AIDS Activist, Dies at Age 76
- Television And Film: Kearns built a prolific acting career with appearances in prominent television shows such as Cheers, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The Waltons, as well as feature films including Brian De Palma's Body Double.
- Theatrical Direction: He directed the 1986 world premiere of Robert Chesley's controversial play Jerker, which centered on two gay men falling in love over a phone-sex line and sparked FCC censorship battles.
- HIV/AIDS Advocacy: In 1991, Kearns made national headlines by publicly announcing his HIV-positive status on NBC to combat stigma, following years of keeping his diagnosis secret to protect his career.
The Context & Background
Kearns was a monumental figure in LGBTQ+ theater and activism, serving as artistic director at the Celebration Theatre and founding the QueerWise spoken word collective. His passing marks the loss of an enduring voice who fought tirelessly against queer censorship and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS throughout his life.
Why it matters:Michael Kearns broke crucial ground for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood by refusing to hide his identity or his HIV-positive status during a time of intense societal prejudice. His fearless advocacy and artistic contributions helped pave the way for future generations of queer artists and activists.
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